This autumn will be inspired by the stories, discover unique experiences and be a part of historic anniversaries. Over the next few months there will be live theatre, behind the scenes opportunities, keynote speakers and more, all taking place at the national museum of democracy in Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Heritage Open Days at PHM
There is the chance to step behind the scenes and into PHM’s internationally renowned Conservation Studio on Saturday 13 September as the museum celebrates Heritage Open Days. Your guide will be Jenny van Enckevort, PHM’s most experienced conservator and an expert in her field. The expansive studio has been speciallydesigned to enable the team to be able to work on even the largest banners, which form what is recognised to be the most extensive collection of political and trade union banners in the world, making the space truly one of a kind. Jenny will introduce the latest conservation projects and share an insight into the specialist work that goes into conserving banners and how they are prepared for public display.
This free activity (donations welcome) is suitable for ages 12+ and there are session taking place throughout Saturday 13 September, which can be booked here. The 2025 Banner Exhibition is also currently on display.
International Day of Peace at PHM
Observed annually, International Day of Peace (21 September) is a day dedicated to promoting peace among all nations and people. This year it will be marked at People’s History Museum with a guided tour of the peace displays in the galleries on Saturday 20 September, as well as giving visitors the chance to see newly catalogued artefacts from the museum store. Sharing stories of peace, peace camps, conscientious objection, mass protests, and solidarity across borders will be Morgan Beale from PHM’s collections team. And when the tour is complete participants will be able to make an origami peace dove or crane to take away with them.
This tour is priced at £10 (with free and concession places available), suitable for ages 12+ and takes place onSaturday 20 September, with places bookable here.
Marking 80 years since the Fifth Pan African Congress
The Fifth Pan African Congress took place in Manchester in 1945 and was a pivotal event in the fight against colonialism and for African independence. 80 years on and the issues it raised are incredibly significant to today’s world. And so, on Friday 17 October, award-winning author, broadcaster and academic Professor Gary Younge will join anti-racist historian and Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer, Dr Shirin Hirsch for a lecture and Q&A event at PHM. The event is preceded with a special archive opening that will feature materials from PHM’s collection, including the Pan African Federation, together with highlights from libraries and archives from across the city, including the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre, North West Film Archive and Working Class Movement Library. There will also be an opportunity to find out about The Guardian’s Legacies of Enslavement programme.
This activity is part of Black History Month at PHM and is suitable for ages 12+. The lecture talk is priced at £10 (with free and concession places available), takes place from 7.00pm to 8.30pm and is bookable here. The archive eventis free (donations welcomed), takes place from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, and registration is here.
We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!
A visitor favourite in the galleries at PHM is the story of Jayaben Desai, whose courage and determination inspired her fellow workers and continues to inspire generations today. And now, as part of a national touring production, Jayaben’s story will be brought to the stage at PHM on Monday 20 October in a brand new play presented by Townsend Theatre Productions.
Refusing to stay silent, Jayben’s voice turned into a mighty roar as audiences will discover in We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!. What happened at the Grunwick factory, where she and others went on strike (1976-1978) to fight for rights and respect, became the largest mobilisation in labour movement history for a local dispute in a remarkable and unforgettable act of solidarity. It’s a chapter of history that makes for spine tingling theatre and the production has been receiving rave reviews.
Tickets (full £15, concessions £10) for We Are The Lions,Mr Manager! on Monday 20 October, are bookable here. The production is suitable for ages 12+.
30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
On 8 November 2025 it will be 30 years since the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This landmark piece of legislation was intended to prevent discrimination against disabled people in education, work, housing, public services, and transport. The PHM collections team has picked out a series of objects to mark this anniversary, which will go on display from Wednesday 22 October (until Monday 30 March 2026) in the Collections Spotlight case. The pieces chosen are intended to highlight the campaigns fought by disabled activists then and now, showing both the progress made and the battles still to be won.
The Collections Spotlight case can be found in Gallery Oneand experienced as part of a visit to PHM.
